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Sambi Lokonga admits he thought about leaving Arsenal
Arsenal midfielder Sambi Lokonga has revealed he thought about leaving the club in the summer due to a lack of opportunities, but is glad that he opted to remain in north London.
The Gunners signed Lokonga from Anderlecht in 2020 with the hope that the Belgian would eventually develop into a first-team star. However, with Arsenal absent from any European competition in 2021/22, Lokonga’s game time was limited during his debut campaign.
The 22-year-old’s chances to shine came few and far between as he notched 24 appearances and 1,508 minutes in all competitions.
During a recent interview, Lokonga admitted that his lack of game last season made him contemplate his future at the club.
Sambi Lokonga admits he almost left Arsenal in the summer
Sambi Lokonga revealed his frustrations with his playtime at the end of last season. 💬#AFC #Arsenal #Lokonga pic.twitter.com/DuZPVr8FLt
— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) October 19, 2022
Speaking to La Derniere Heure (via football365), Lokonga discussed his frustrating debut season at Arsenal: “Honestly, it’s difficult. I’m at one of the best clubs in England. I could have played somewhere else every weekend, but that wouldn’t have been the right solution for me.
“It’s a personal decision [to stay at Arsenal]. I wanted to give myself another year to stay at Arsenal and then see what happens.”
“At the end of last season, I almost snapped,” he added. “I called my agent to ask him if staying at Arsenal was a good idea. He comforted me in my choice, even though I know I need to start more often to develop.”
Lokonga impressed Arsenal supporters in pre-season ahead of the 2022/23 campaign as Mikel Arteta deployed him in a more advanced #8 role. However, the Belgian’s competitive minutes – which have been bolstered by the Gunners’ Europa League qualification – have exclusively arrived at the base of midfield this season.
The 22-year-old has made three starts in both the Premier League and Europa League, with Lokonga expected to play throughout the club’s continental venture this term.
The former Anderlecht midfielder is happy that he decided to remain at Arsenal this summer, although selling the player never seemed to be on the club’s agenda. Lokonga has shown signs of maturation on the pitch in 2022/23, and he has the potential to develop into a star in north London.